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Biology is the study of life, and biologists are interested in all aspects of life's structure and function. Through observation and experiment, the biologist seeks to understand the complexity of the living world. Whether preparing for a future in research, education, medicine, dentistry or ecology, a degree in biology can open up many possibilities for students.

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The Department of Biology at Pacific Union College is located in Harold W. Clark Hall, named after a staunch defender of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs who was a prolific author on creationism while teaching biology and geology at PUC from 1922 to 1957. The department concurs with Dr. Clark's fundamental philosophy of God as our Creator and the Bible, including the book of Genesis, as the inspired word of God.

We also value the guidance of Ellen White, who wrote "Since the book of nature and the book of revelation bear the impress of the same master mind, they cannot but speak in harmony. By different methods, and in different languages, they witness to the same great truths. Science is ever discovering new wonders; but she brings from her research nothing that, rightly understood, conflicts with divine revelation. The book of nature and the written word shed light upon each other. They make us acquainted with God by teaching us something of the laws through which He works" (Education 128.1).

As a scientific department our focus is on evaluating scientific data. One of our student learning outcomes is that our biology majors “Understand the historical and current issues relating to the interface of faith and science.” We present the strengths and weaknesses of various models, enabling students to interact comfortably with people having differing perspectives on origins. The PUC Biology Department faculty wishes to model Christ-like behavior to all, including those who disagree with us, desiring that "all be fully convinced in their own minds" (Romans 14:5 NRSV).

By offering course work and laboratory experience concerning microorganisms, plants, animals, humans, and the interrelationships among these living things, the Pacific Union College Department of Biology encourages students to consider the study of life an exciting and continuing challenge, whether at the level of molecules, cells, organisms, populations or ecosystems.

Mission Statement

To provide an excellent education in the life sciences which is based upon the latest scientific discoveries and our belief in God as the Creator of life.

How to Reach Us

Biology

News

Puffins and Polar Biology: Students Experience Alaskan Ecosystem
Grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, and orcas are
unusual college classmates. Pacific Union College students enrolled in this
summer’s Polar Biology class encountered these animals and more as the thriving
Alaskan ecosystem became their classroom during an 11-day immersion into true
field biology.

Foundations of Biology Class Returns to Albion
For a week in early August, Pacific Union
College Professor of Biology Aimee Wyrick-Brownworth took the students in her
Biological Foundations summer class to PUC’s Albion Retreat and Learning Center
on the Mendocino coast.

PUC Grad Takes Science Expertise to Prestigious UC Davis Vet Program
PUC senior Mindy Nelson is eager to take on a new challenge she
faces this fall after she graduates. This outstanding student will take the
knowledge she’s gained in her biology studies and her in-field experience to
the prestigious veterinary program at the University of California Davis.